Now the App Store is not the only source of apps.
Apple allow European app developers to distribute their iPhone and iPad products directly through websites that bypass the App Store. The decision is part of the company's efforts to comply with the new European regulations.
The "Web Distribution" initiative will become available after the software update in the spring. Developers will be able to distribute iOS apps directly from websites to users from the EU. Apple will provide authorized developers with access to the API for integration with system functionality, restoring user applications, and other features.
To use this option, a developer must have been a member of the Apple Developer Program for 2 years or more and have an app with more than 1 million initial installations in the EU in the previous calendar year. Apple indicates that less than 1% of developers meet this criterion.
Apps distributed through websites must be certified to ensure the integrity of the platform, like all iOS apps, and can only be installed from the website domain that the developer has registered with App Store Connect. Before installing the app, users will need to approve the developer in the iOS settings.
In January, Apple already announced the possibility for European developers to distribute iOS applications through "alternative app stores". Now you can also create your own app marketplaces or use the Web Distribution method.
For developers who accept the new working conditions in the EU, a reduced commission of 10% or 17% will be set for applications distributed through the App Store. However, non-App Store installations will be subject to a "Core Technology Fee" (CTF) of €0.50 for every first installation per year that exceeds the threshold of 1 million installations.
Spotify, Epic Games and other companies have expressed dissatisfaction with the CTF and other terms, claiming that Apple does not meet the requirements of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). In response, Apple said that it took into account the feedback of thousands of developers and made several changes, including allowing the creation of alternative marketplaces without the need to provide a letter of credit.
The Digital Markets Act came into force last week, and European regulators are currently reviewing changes made by Apple and other companies to determine if they comply with the new rules.
Meta Platforms, Spotify, and other companies are preparing for the new rules by developing new app download options for their customers. Meta is considering downloading apps directly from Facebook ads, and Spotify plans to offer users the option to download some of its iPhone apps directly from the company's website.
In January, after a multi-year legal battle with Epic Games, Apple announced its decision to allow iPhone app developers to use alternative payment systems, but they will still be required to pay fees and comply with a number of conditions.
Apple allow European app developers to distribute their iPhone and iPad products directly through websites that bypass the App Store. The decision is part of the company's efforts to comply with the new European regulations.
The "Web Distribution" initiative will become available after the software update in the spring. Developers will be able to distribute iOS apps directly from websites to users from the EU. Apple will provide authorized developers with access to the API for integration with system functionality, restoring user applications, and other features.
To use this option, a developer must have been a member of the Apple Developer Program for 2 years or more and have an app with more than 1 million initial installations in the EU in the previous calendar year. Apple indicates that less than 1% of developers meet this criterion.
Apps distributed through websites must be certified to ensure the integrity of the platform, like all iOS apps, and can only be installed from the website domain that the developer has registered with App Store Connect. Before installing the app, users will need to approve the developer in the iOS settings.
In January, Apple already announced the possibility for European developers to distribute iOS applications through "alternative app stores". Now you can also create your own app marketplaces or use the Web Distribution method.
For developers who accept the new working conditions in the EU, a reduced commission of 10% or 17% will be set for applications distributed through the App Store. However, non-App Store installations will be subject to a "Core Technology Fee" (CTF) of €0.50 for every first installation per year that exceeds the threshold of 1 million installations.
Spotify, Epic Games and other companies have expressed dissatisfaction with the CTF and other terms, claiming that Apple does not meet the requirements of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). In response, Apple said that it took into account the feedback of thousands of developers and made several changes, including allowing the creation of alternative marketplaces without the need to provide a letter of credit.
The Digital Markets Act came into force last week, and European regulators are currently reviewing changes made by Apple and other companies to determine if they comply with the new rules.
Meta Platforms, Spotify, and other companies are preparing for the new rules by developing new app download options for their customers. Meta is considering downloading apps directly from Facebook ads, and Spotify plans to offer users the option to download some of its iPhone apps directly from the company's website.
In January, after a multi-year legal battle with Epic Games, Apple announced its decision to allow iPhone app developers to use alternative payment systems, but they will still be required to pay fees and comply with a number of conditions.
